Chapter honors 29 award-winning projects and professionals; presents Leuschner Award for Excellence in Public Relations
ENOLA, Pa. (January 8, 2026) — The Public Relations Society of America Central Pennsylvania Chapter celebrated the outstanding achievements of public relations and communications professionals during its annual Keystone Awards Luncheon, held Thursday at Members 1st Federal Credit Union headquarters in Enola.
The luncheon brought together 55 communications professionals to recognize 29 award-winning projects, honoring more than 20 public relations professionals, agencies, businesses, and institutions for excellence in research, planning, execution, and measurable results. This year’s awards theme, “Explore Your Pathway to Excellence,” highlighted the many ways communications professionals navigate challenges, innovate, and deliver meaningful impact for their organizations and communities.
Emceed by Gabriel Thomas, M.S., an Emmy-nominated reporter with WGAL-TV in Lancaster, the program featured a keynote presentation by Jason James, a Wayne-based storyteller who works in strategic communications, marketing strategy, design, and brand development.
“The Keystone Awards celebrate more than strong campaigns — they recognize thoughtful strategy, ethical practice, and the professional judgment that defines excellent public relations,” said Kelly Kostanesky, Founder of KMMK Communications and President of the Central PA PRSA Chapter. “This year’s winners reflect the many pathways our profession can take, while reinforcing the shared commitment to clarity, creativity, and results that strengthens our industry across Central Pennsylvania.”
Award entries were evaluated by experienced public relations professionals from outside the region using PRSA’s established criteria, including research, planning, execution, and results. Projects earning scores of 85 points or higher received Keystone Awards, while those scoring between 70 and 84 points received Silver Keystone Awards.
In addition to recognizing Keystone and Silver Keystone Award recipients, the chapter presented its highest individual honor — the Frederick E. Leuschner Award for Excellence in Public Relations — to Leslie Osborn Amorós, APR, recognizing her longstanding leadership, ethical standards, and service to the profession and the Central PA PRSA chapter.
The program also recognized new Accredited in Public Relations (APR) honorees for their professional achievement and commitment to excellence.
Award Winners by Organization
- A Hint of Jazz Management and Roman Empire Media Group earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Multicultural Communications Program category for Juneteenth HBG 2025. A Hint of Jazz Management also earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Community Relations category for the Thrive Housing Services Ribbon Cutting.
- BAE Systems Inc. earned a Keystone Award in the Video Communications category for its “I Am AMPV” video series.
- Deeter Gallaher Group earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Special Events and Observances category for The Millworks 10th Anniversary campaign.
- Diakon earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Corporate Branding category for its “Offering help and hope to all” Brand Refresh campaign.
- GAVIN earned a Keystone Award in the Media Relations/Media Placement category for Strengthening Trust, Advocacy, and Awareness Through Strategic Storytelling on behalf of Children’s Home of York.
- Geisinger earned multiple Silver Keystone Awards for projects spanning newsletters, marketing communications, internal communications, video communications, and overall public relations programs, including their work with regional newsletters, Name Image Likeness (NIL) program, “Building Better Health” program, “#ApplaudHer Women’s History Month” campaign, and employee holiday video, respectively.
- Harrisburg Symphony Association earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Special Events and Observances category for its Flat Stuart Anniversary Campaign.
- LANC Marketing, LLC earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Special Events and Observances category for its Women MAKE Awards campaign.
- Members 1st Federal Credit Union earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Community Relations category for its Literacy Initiative.
- Milton Hershey School earned a Keystone Award for excellence in marketing communications, along with multiple Silver Keystone Awards for annual reporting and video communications, including the “This is MHS” video series to communicate the school’s mission, values and vision.
- Nell McCormack Abom Communications received both Keystone and Silver Keystone Awards in media relations and special events campaigns for the Boobs Without Borders Power of Pink Art Auction and the Dauphin County CASA Giving Tree Initiative.
- PRworks earned two Keystone Awards for excellence in media relations and corporate branding, including work for the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals and the International Surface Fabricators Association.
- Select Health earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Newsletters category for Select Health’s Internal Newsletter, Selections.
- Susquehanna University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) earned a Silver Keystone Award in the Student Project category for its Hues of Hope Organ Donation Campaign.
- WellSpan Health earned two Keystone Awards for excellence in marketing communications and internal communications for Support Team Well-being and recruitment, and a Silver Keystone Award related to outreach for the care of law enforcement officers wounded in the line of duty in the media relations category.
Photos from the event are available for download here courtesy of Patrick Early Photography
About PRSA
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s largest professional organization serving the communications community. PRSA’s mission is to make communications professionals smarter, better prepared, and more connected through all stages of their careers. The organization represents more than 30,000 professionals across all industries nationwide, along with students involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). For more information, visit www.prsa.org.
About Central PA PRSA
Founded in 1959, the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of PRSA is one of the oldest PRSA chapters in the country. Its members represent a diverse range of communications professionals working in corporate, government, nonprofit, education, health care, and association settings, united by a shared commitment to ethical practice, professional development, and advancing the public relations profession. For more information, visit www.prsacp.org.